Salami is often the first item to go when I put out a meat and cheese platter. Salty, meaty, savory and aromatic, cured meat is the MVP of a charcuterie board. While salami is delicious on its own or with a hunk of gouda, it’s often underutilized in the kitchen. Salami can add a great salty chew to a number of dishes—you just have to get a little creative.
Here, our 10 favorite salami recipes that show off all the wonderful ways cured meat can shine in your cooking.
Herbed Brie in Puff Pastry
If you’re looking for a stunning appetizer to serve at any gathering, check out this beautiful Herbed Brie in Puff Pastry. Rosemary, thyme, marjoram, parsley, garlic, and salami get stuffed into the center of a wheel of Brie. The whole thing gets wrapped in puff pastry, baked, and served warm with crackers. “So delicious,” said one Allrecipes reviewer. “Everyone loved it. Definitely we’ll be having this again.”
Chicken David
This Chicken David recipe has over 100 five-star ratings, so you know it’s a winner. Salami, mushrooms, sherry, heavy cream—how could you go wrong? “I could not get enough of this,” said Allrecipes Allstar tcasa. “I made this exactly as written, serving it over plain brown rice. I would not change a thing. The sauce is delicious! My family devoured it including the kids (ages 6, 4 & 1). I will definitely make this again!”
Hot Honey White Pizza
This Hot Honey White Pizza has it all: salty salami, sour and fresh dill pickles, creamy ricotta, sweet and spicy honey, and fresh herbs. White pizza uses a creamy cheese spread (in this case, ricotta) instead of traditional marinara sauce and lets the toppings shine. Don’t feel like pizza? These ingredients would also make a fabulous panini.
Salami Lover’s Italian Pasta Salad
CookinBug
We love pasta salads of all varieties, but there’s something so delicious about this classic Italian Pasta Salad. It features tri-colored rotini, creamy Italian dressing, lots of salami, red bell pepper, sliced black olives, red onion and Parmesan cheese.
Big chunks of Cheddar would also be a great addition to this dish. Make sure to make it the night before serving so the flavors can mingle and the salad can chill completely in the fridge.
Muffuletta Pinwheels
Mallinda
This fun spin on a regional dish really shows off the power of a good slice of salami. Packed with pimento-stuffed green olives, black olives, cream cheese, provolone, salami, ham, and mozzarella, this piquant mixture gives you a taste of New Orleans in a convenient pinwheel.
“I have made a lot of roll up recipes in my day,” says one Allrecipes reviewer. “To date, this one is by far the best. After 3 hours in the fridge, put a toothpick through each slice, they were perfect. I am in muffuletta heaven right now.”
Scrambled Pizza
Pizza for breakfast? Why not?! This Scrambled Pizza combines the best part of breakfast and the best part of pizza to make something completely different. “YUM,” said one Allrecipes member. “I made this for the kids, I couldn’t keep the adults away! I bought the pizza dough to save time and sprinkled it with the oregano. The recipe is a keeper.”
Easter Meat Pie
Italians and Italian Americans serve a variety of egg pies for the holiday—but it doesn’t need to be Easter to enjoy this delicious quiche-like dish.
“I always felt so intimidated when it came time to make Easter meat pie,” said one Allrecipes reviewer. “Being Italian, I have relatives that made it to perfection, including their own crust. You can not go wrong with this recipe, it came out so good. I made three and adjusted the ingredients accordingly.”
Baked Italian Sub
Sub, grinder, hoagie, hero—whatever you call it, it sure is delicious. No need to run to the sub shop when you can make one at home in less time than it takes to get out of the driveway. This sub has three meats, cheese, and plenty of veggie toppings. A drizzle of olive oil and red wine vinegar and pinch of oregano brings the whole sandwich together in a snap.
Pasta with Salami and Peas
Allrecipes member SAVVYHOSTESS says if you like Pasta Aglio Olio, then you’ll love this pasta. The ingredients come together in the time it takes to boil water and the dish is salty and sweet with the addition of salami and sweet green peas. Serve it warm or chill it for a quick lunch. Alternatively, incorporate your favorite veggies and add-ins to make it your own.
Simple Stromboli
Lela
If you’re not familiar with Stromboli, this simple recipe is a great introduction. A mixture of meats and cheeses are stuffed inside pizza dough, and baked to perfection (think: calzone, but easier to slice and eat). Brush the top with garlic butter and sprinkle on some oregano for extra flavor.
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